Fears of school disruptions as many learners are yet to be placed
“We call on the former model C schools to open doors for other races and in particular Afrikaans medium schools to accommodate English learners,” the portfolio committee chairperson says.
The education portfolio committee in Gauteng was concerned about the potential risk of school disruptions due to learners who have not been allocated to schools yet.
Committee chairperson Joe Mpisi said the portfolio acknowledged plans put forward by the Department of Education to deal with pressure and overcrowding.
He was, however, worried that unplaced learners would delay learning and teaching in most of the schools.
“We are pleased that the first day of the 2023 academic year commenced without major glitches in the majority of schools in Gauteng. The committee, however, remains concerned about the number of unplaced learners in the province.
“One day of no school for a learner is one day too many. More effort should be made to avoid situations where schools reopen while some learners still have no schools to go to,” Mpisi said.
He said it was of great concern that there are some learners not being allocated every new year’s school term.
“We call on the former model C schools to open doors to other races and in particular Afrikaans medium schools to accommodate English learners to ensure that schools are accessed by all learners and not based on race or language.
“The committee also notes the existing challenges of classroom infrastructure and calls on the department to speed up infrastructure renovations as well as maintenance to ease overcrowding.”
Mpisi urged communities to work hand-in-hand with school governing bodies to help curb vandalism of schools in their respective areas.
“Members of communities must protect their schools and not allow criminals to destroy learners’ future,” he said.
In addition, he called on teachers, school governing bodies and the community to work together to ensure that effective teaching and learning take place without disruptions.
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